I felt life decisions on my back.

I realized my mistakes were my own,

I could no longer depend on the people around me to keep me whole.

When I had to make my spirituality my own,

neither a man or my parents were a gate way to heaven.

Realizing waking up in the morning had to be of my free will even when I felt alone.

To make food even though I could just order something on my phone.   

Standing down to make sure an argument wouldn’t last long.

Getting to sit with the grown folk,

just to find out the dirty family secrets and understanding why we’re all so torn.

Coming to terms with the fact that people in my yearbook are disappearing.

The decision between having a kid or starting a career.

Not letting the pressure stop me from doing my best.